Hope and Beauty in the Landscape of Isolation

My aim for this painting was to bring hope and beauty into the landscape of isolation which we find ourselves in during this global pandemic. With this in mind, I wove a spacious timelessness into it; where one can loose oneself in wonder. A light airiness, with gentle colours and the promise of beauty ahead.

As you probably realise by now, I do not find painting straightforward even though I carry with me 50 years of experience. In my last post I owned up to being completely lost during the painting of ‘Soft Light’. This is explained in ‘Why Am I Painting’ .

I started out with one thing clearly in mind but through impatience, I went to work on it too aggressively and lost what I set out to achieve. However, during this frustrating process, I discovered a certain freedom which comes from being ‘lost’; ironically there is a sense of having nothing to loose!

With this in mind I decided to start the next painting with the mindset of not knowing what I was doing right from the start, which it turns out is quite liberating!

Alongside this ongoing work, we find ourselves in the extraordinary time of lock down and social distancing. A true artist speaks through their work. So the question is…

How will the Covid 19 Pandemic affect my work?

It has been interesting for me to discover, as I conscientiously try to reach out to others who I perceive might be lonely during this time, that it is I that needs reaching out to! I am a contemplative, so I assume I am more introvert that extrovert. But, no, it seems I really miss people and I am getting sad.

And all those I reach out to are perfectly fine thank you very much!

‘My heart is breaking as I remember how it used to be: I walked among the crowds of worshipers, leading a great procession to the house of God, singing for joy and giving thanks amid the sound of a great celebration!

Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again – my Savior and my God!

Psalm 42:4-6

It is THIS discovery that has affected my painting

I am noticing that I am already thinking differently within my work. There is a desire to paint with a lighter palette despite my sadness, and to be intentionally hopeful. I choose colours deliberately with this purpose in mind. There is to be no gloom or drama, just a peaceful trusting and a joyful hope.

‘Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him.’

Psalm 62:5

So I paint, and I keep my eyes looking up, for it is God who strengthens me, and in Him I put my hope.